In a remarkable show of community support, the Morris Car Club has donated $4,000 to the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project’s Pit Stop program. This generous donation was raised during the club's 24th National Rally, held in Shepparton in April 2024.

The Morris Register’s National Rally, hosted in Victoria every eight years, made its debut in Greater Shepparton this year, drawing over 100 iconic vehicles from all over Australia. The week-long event, which featured a variety of activities and displays, was a significant success, with more than 200 participants.

John Habgood, president of the Morris Car Club, expressed the club's motivation behind the donation: "The Rally organisers wanted to give back to the community. During the three-year period leading up to the event, we developed a relationship with the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project. Their Pit Stop program resonated with our motoring fraternity, and the opportunity to support its work struck a chord with us. Our members were impressed by the success stories shared by the Pit Stop team and were eager to contribute through raffles and an auction held during the rally."

The Pit Stop program, located at the Wodonga TAFE Shepparton Campus, offers hands-on learning and re-engagement opportunities for young people. Participants work on small engines and cars under the guidance of industry professionals. The program also includes activities like jewellery making and painting to cater to a wide range of interests, aiming to increase work and life skills, improve mental health, and create connections for young people.

Amy Robinson, Executive Officer of the Greater Shepparton Lighthouse Project, expressed her gratitude: "As a collective impact organisation, Lighthouse relies heavily on community support. Whether it is volunteering, donations, or fundraising, every offering of support contributes to better outcomes for young people in our region, so we are extremely grateful to the Morris Car Club for choosing to support our Pit Stop program. The funds will be used to purchase items for bike restorations. Pit Stop staff also like to ensure participants have access to healthy snacks when needed, so a portion of these funds will help to ensure the Pit Stop pantry is well stocked."

In addition to the funds raised, the car rally was a significant event for our region, and Mayor Shane Sali was present to thank the club members for choosing to hold the rally in Shepparton: "It is fantastic to see a nationwide event held here in Greater Shepparton. Hosting the 2024 National Rally was an honour, and it gave our region a significant economic boost. The community had the opportunity to see some amazing historic cars and learn more about them."

The Morris Car Club's donation will help ensure that the Pit Stop program continues to thrive, supporting the young people of Shepparton in developing essential skills and fostering positive connections.